The Best Workouts In L.A.

With summer looming not more than three months away, it’s time to hit the gym, get back out in the great outdoors and get yourselves moving.

The City of Angels is one of the best places on the planet; not only from the appeal of its home-of-the-stars status, or its thriving cultural atmosphere. It is a fitness fanatic’s mecca, laden with some of the world’s best gyms, running paths with awe-inspiring views of the Pacific’s pristine waters, breath-taking hikes atop the Hollywood Hills, and is the birthplace of many fitness phenomenons recognised worldwide today.

Hiking

A popular activity for celebrities and residents all over the city, mountain hiking is widely revered as one of the most intense workouts out there. Luckily, there’s no shortage of hills, canyons and state parks within the city’s limits.

Here’s one to add to your list:

Los Liones Canyon – Topanga State Park

It doesn’t matter if you’re already an active hiker or are just starting out – whilst you’re out climbing the hills, you set the bar. Depending on your level of exertion the entire route can take anywhere between two to four hours

Spanning a seven-mile trail, Los Liones boasts magnificent views of the Santa Monica Bay, as well as a series of tight twists and turns to conquer under the glorious Californian sun – just be sure to pack a bag with plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks to keep you going.

Directions

The hike’s start point can be found at West Sunset Boulevard and Los Liones drive. If you are coming from the Pacific Coast Highway – make a left at the intersection and stay on the road, following the signs until you meet a trail head. Free parking is available for anyone driving.

Stair Climbs

For those who are fonder of an inner-city cardio blast than a muddy-trek under the city skies then a stair climbing session will be right up your street.

UCLA’s Drake Track & Field Stadium

A favourite location among cardio addicts from all over LA is UCLA’s Drake Track Stadium. 45 minutes running up & down the steps in the stands, or even 10 laps round the track and you’re guaranteed to burn off some serious calories.

Before arriving you will need to check the University website for opening hours as a number of UCLA sports teams practice here on daily basis.

Directions

The stadium is located on UCLA campus. For directions please refer to this map or visit the UCLA website.

Yoga

If you’re looking for a less intense workout with all the benefits of an active lifestyle then check out one of the many Yoga studios and classes around the city.

YogaWorks has studios dotted all over the city, so wherever you are you’re guaranteed to find one within a reasonable distance from your home or office. Classes range from beginner to advanced, so don’t be phased if you’re as stiff as a board when you start out; you’ll be a master of the downward dog and forward fold in no time.

For existing yoga enthusiasts out there searching for a way to mix things up, look no further than YAS fitness. This hybrid workout starts with a 30 minute spins session to kick your body into a higher gear, followed by a further 30 minutes of yoga to tighten up those muscles with a series of deep stretch poses. Check out the website to find the neares YAS centre to you.

Gyms

If the outdoors and classes aren’t for you, then why not head over to a nearby gym; LA is teaming with gyms all over the place that suit a variety of needs – from classes, spas or just your traditional gym with cardio and resistance equipment.

Thinking of signing up to a new gym but can’t seem to make up your mind? Here’s what you need to know about Breakthru Fitness.

Breakthru Fitness is very different to other gyms. Run by husband-and-wife duo: Phil and Michelle Dozoirs, this Pasadena based centre is equipped with all the facilities of an expensive franchise with relatively inexpensive registration costs.

With state-of-the-art equipment and over 75 adrenaline-inducing classes pumped out every week, you’re guaranteed a great session in one of LA’s friendliest environments.

Crunch Fitness prides itself on unorthodox exercising methods that produce real results; if you want to mix things up, this is the place to do so.

What kind of exerciser are you? If you lean more towards a group classes as opposed to an independent session, then you’ll love Crunch Fitness. Anti-gravity yoga (take a look) and a wealth of dance classes, combined with your traditional equipment, will revitalise your motivation and help to build up your physical and mental fitness in no time at all.

Directions

Crunch Fitness is based at 761 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank. Take a look at the gym’s Yelp Page for more detailed directions.

Running

San Vicente Boulevard

If an early morning or late night jog is your choice of exercise, be sure to check out the San Vicente Boulevard route.

This spacious and spectacular, eight-mile grassy loop shields joggers from the hot sun under a canopy of coral trees, and rewards hard and determined effort with a magnificent view out over the Pacific Ocean throughout.